Inflammatory spinal cord diseases and transverse myelitis

Background Inflammatory spinal cord diseases are difficult to differentiate based on magnetic resonance (MR) morphological properties. However, correct diagnosis is crucial for treatment and outcome. Objectives What MR characteristics allow correct classification? Materials and methods A literature search for articles published in PubMed about various forms of transverse myelitis was performed. Results The length of the lesions, the level and location in the cross-section, and the enhancement pattern gives good clues for the correct diagnosis. The most important characteristics have been summarized in a table. Conclusions In most cases, it is not possible to make a conclusive diagnosis, because many diseases overlap.